The Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, transformed into a sea of flickering candlelight as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the legendary highlife musician, Daddy Lumba. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and disbelief, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that usually characterized the iconic square. Fans, many still struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of their beloved musician, united in a solemn vigil to celebrate the life and legacy of the man who had touched their hearts with his music for decades. The 60-year-old musician’s passing had left a gaping void in the Ghanaian music scene, a testament to his profound impact on the nation’s cultural fabric.
The vigil commenced with a poignant gospel performance by Rev. Thomas Lawson, setting a reverent tone for the evening. Following the musical tribute, Oswald the Poet delivered a spoken word piece, capturing the essence of Daddy Lumba’s artistry and his profound influence on Ghanaian society. Prayers, offered in a tapestry of languages including Christian, Akan, and Ga, ascended into the night sky, carrying the collective hopes and wishes for the departed musician’s soul. The air then filled with the familiar strains of Daddy Lumba’s timeless compositions, stirring a wave of emotions amongst the attendees. Tears flowed freely as memories resurfaced, and the sheer weight of the loss proved overwhelming for some, leading to emotionally charged collapses within the crowd.
Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye, Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, expressed profound gratitude to Daddy Lumba’s family for their presence at the vigil, acknowledging their shared loss. He eloquently affirmed Daddy Lumba’s unique standing in the Ghanaian music landscape, emphasizing the irreplaceable void his departure had created. Further solidifying the government’s commitment to honoring the music icon, Mr. Aryeequaye pledged governmental support for the final funeral rites, ensuring a fitting farewell befitting Daddy Lumba’s stature.
The heart of the vigil resided in the deeply personal tributes offered by Daddy Lumba’s family. His wife, Akosua Serwaa, and their children bravely stepped forward to eulogize their beloved husband and father. Mrs. Serwaa’s words, heavy with emotion, painted a vivid portrait of a man who was not just a national treasure but also the anchor of their family. “How do I begin to speak of a man whose voice carried the soul of a nation? You were not just Ghana’s musical treasure but also my heart’s companion, my protector, and my joy,” she shared, her voice resonating with the profound love and admiration she held for her late husband. The children’s tributes echoed their mother’s sentiments, portraying a man who was both an iconic musician and a loving, devoted father.
Mr. Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, added his voice to the chorus of tributes, extending heartfelt condolences to Daddy Lumba’s grieving family. He hailed Daddy Lumba as a generational talent whose music had inspired a movement and transcended boundaries. Mr. Simons emphasized the universality of Daddy Lumba’s music, highlighting its ability to resonate with Ghanaians from all walks of life while simultaneously showcasing the beauty of Ghanaian culture and language. His words resonated with the crowd, reaffirming the collective sense of loss felt throughout the nation.
The national candlelight vigil became a gathering point for musicians spanning generations, demonstrating the wide-reaching influence of Daddy Lumba’s legacy. Legendary figures like Pat Thomas shared the space with contemporary stars such as Sarkodie, Kwabena Kwabena, and DSP Kofi Sarpong, a testament to the unifying power of music and the profound respect Daddy Lumba commanded within the industry. Their presence underscored the indelible mark Daddy Lumba had left on the Ghanaian music scene, inspiring generations of artists and shaping the very landscape of highlife music. The vigil, a poignant blend of grief and celebration, served as a fitting tribute to a man whose music will forever echo through the hearts and minds of Ghanaians.
